South Korean auto major Hyundai launched the all-new Santro in India. The family-oriented hatchback, eyeing an enhanced presence in the small car market in India, is positioned between Eon and Grand i10. The small car, codenamed AH-2, is expected to mark the return of the once-popular Santro model.

Built and developed at its research centre in Hyderabad and in Korea, over a period of three years, the new Santro is priced at Rs 3.89 lakh and boasts of several segment-first features. The new car’s body built using the platform of the Grand i10, boasts of rear air-conditioning vents, Hyundai-developed automatic gearbox option, airbags on all variants along with the biggest touchscreen display system (7 inch).

The auto firm has also equipped the new Santro’s air-conditioning unit with ‘Eco Coating’ technology to prevent unpleasant odour inside the car, which also flaunts reverse parking sensors in the upper variants besides having a reverse camera on the top variant.

The new Santro is also offering a CNG option along-side a 1.1 litre petrol-fired engine with a five speed gearbox. Hyundai’s new offering claims a mileage of 20.3 km/litre.

According to the auto firm, the new petrol engine is compliant with Bharat Stage VI emission norms, which are slated to come into effect from April 2020. The new Santro car will also be Hyundai’s first car to fulfill BS-VI norms. The company claims that the new car will be made only in India and will be exported to other markets.

According to the company, the new Santro will provide three-year/100,000 km warranty and three years roadside assistance, besides offering the lowest cost of maintenance with a doorstep service facility.

The new car is eyeing rural and semi-rural markets in the country, as buyers from this segment are expected to make up 50-60 percent of the total sales of the car. Hyundai reportedly hopes to sell 8,000-10,000 units in the domestic market every month, while export an additional 2,500 units in the same period.

Notably, the old Santro was phased out in 2014 after witnessing an unhindered run since 1998. The company decided to phase out the Santro despite having a life-long monthly sales average of 7,000 units.

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